Smart Home Component Metadata Detection by Synchronized Sensor Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual recording of metadata for smart home components is time-consuming and error-prone, making it inefficient for reliable control of smart home devices across multiple rooms.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a control unit or server to cause a measurable state change in smart home components and synchronize sensor data acquisition, employing various sensors to determine the component's location within a building by detecting changes such as optical, acoustic, or ultrasonic signals, with a mobile sensor unit like a cleaning robot to efficiently record and store metadata.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual recording of metadata is used for smart home components, then the process is simple to implement, but it is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-configuration of smart home components by having components autonomously report their metadata (room, floor, position) to the control unit, eliminating the need for manual user input while maintaining implementation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of recording metadata with an automated electronic system where components communicate their location data through wireless communication protocols, significantly increasing configuration speed
2Ease of manufacture
If manual recording of metadata is used for smart home components, then the system setup is straightforward, but it is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
Components automatically provide their own metadata information directly from their embedded identifiers and location data, eliminating human transcription errors while keeping the setup process straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives and verifies metadata from components through automated feedback loops, ensuring data accuracy and consistency without requiring manual verification
3Extent of automation
If a mobile sensor unit is used to detect state changes, then automatic metadata determination is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions including component registration, metadata storage, state change detection, and sensor data processing within a single integrated system, avoiding the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing wireless communication protocols and standard sensor interfaces as intermediaries between components and the control unit, reducing the need for custom complex communication hardware
4Reliability
If synchronized sensor data acquisition is used to detect state changes, then reliable location determination is achieved, but the measurement requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic state changes (components switching on/off at scheduled intervals) combined with synchronized sensor data acquisition to reliably detect component locations without requiring complex continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical signal changes (analogous to color changes) where components emit or reflect light that sensors detect, providing reliable location determination through simple optical detection rather than complex measurements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic and reliable determination of metadata for smart home components, reducing manual configuration time and errors, allowing for efficient and convenient control of devices across multiple rooms.
Implementation Method 1
employing various sensors to determine the component's location within a building by detecting changes such as optical, acoustic, or ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 2
employing various sensors to determine the component's location within a building by detecting changes such as optical, acoustic, or ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 3
employing various sensors to determine the component's location within a building by detecting changes such as optical, acoustic, or ultrasonic signals
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (400) for detecting metadata for a controllable component (202) in a building (200) having a plurality of different rooms (201). The method (400) comprises effecting (401) a measurable change in state of the controllable component, and detecting (402) sensor data in a first room (201) of the building (200). Furthermore, the method (400) comprises determining (403) on the basis of the sensor data, whether or not the controllable component (202) is located in the first room (201), and the storing (404) of metadata for the controllable component (202), which indicate that the controllable component (202) is located in the first room (201), if on the basis of the sensor data it was determined (403) that the controllable component (202) is located in the first room (201).